Public health

Public health is concerned with the big picture of how society is organised to maximise health and well-being - about what people can do for themselves as well as the role of institutions and government to ensure good health in our communities.

Our primary focus is prevention and early detection, rather than on clinical services. We look at the whole population, rather than the individual, and seek to manage risks. In this way, public health complements and works with clinical services.

In Western Australia, we are fortunate to enjoy a high standard of living and health. We use a range of evidence-based, targeted programs to keep our communities healthy including:

immunisation

safe food and water

safer workplaces and communities

seatbelts and other road safety measures

water fluoridation

organised cancer screening

sun safety campaigns

control of tobacco.

Legislation

Under the Health Legislation Administration Act 1984, the Chief Health Officer (CHO) has the power to delegate any of his powers (except the power to delegate) which are conferred on him by a number of Health-related Acts for which he has responsibility.